Mar 25 Your Brand Needs A Writer.

Your Brand Needs A Writer.

Something I'm doing my best to advocate to my clients and audience alike. One thing we do here at Blue Loui Studio is try to make the connection to professionals that can help you build your brand, as a business owner or entrepreneur. Sure, we handle all things "brand"; but WAY too many pieces run parallel to your brand-needs for us to handle it all.

Your message is TOO important. So if you know what's good for you, especially if you are constantly pushing out content to your audience, you'll want to find a Writer; aka: a saving grace + angel.

So, I conducted an informal interview with one of my fellow Writer + Marketing gurus, that I happen to adore: Jen Phillips April. She not only is super knowledgable about how to create messaging for your marketing, but she understands how writing is KEY to a powerful brand presence and positioning.

Jen, tell us about yourself....what do you do?

JPA:I work with business owners who struggle with writing sales-worthy copy that engages their audience and makes sales. Successful online marketing requires powerful stories to help you attract and convert your prospects into buyers. When not working with my fabulous clients, you'll find me reading a novel, practicing my downward dog or cooking up a delicious meal. You can find me at www.jenphillipsapril.com

WHY do you do what you do?

JPA: I love helping others, freedom, flexibility, location independency. I'm located in Mexico now and it's been a different world to live and work, but I love it!

How long have you been in business? How has your business evolved since you first started?

JPA: 7 years as a full-time freelance writer. When I first started, I led social media workshops to help business owners better understand social media. Now, I love helping business owners design content for their social and helping them attract new clients.

What's your niche and how did you find it?

JPA: My niches include small business owners of all stripes with a concentration in natural healing, (chiropractic, acupuncture, and energy work.) Writing dog and cat related blog posts for veterinarians and pet sitters is another niche. I'm VERY excited about my upcoming dive into the luxury travel writing niche :)

How have you allowed yourself to dream big but still operate daily tasks with efficiency?

JPA: Still working on that efficiency thing!

What are two things you change about your business if you could?

JPA: More efficiency! More residual income, (working on both.) The latter with courses available via Skillshare and my own website.

JPA: "What would you do if you could not fail?" That quote has kept me going at times.

What role do you think a Writer plays in someone's branding?

JPA: Branding encompasses both words and graphics. There are many nuances like font style, word choice, edgy vs. old-school, corporate... for example. That "tone", as we writers call it, conveys an impression of what it will be like to work with you and how you'll connect.

People struggle most with the About section on their website... as a Writer and Marketing maven, what tips do you have for people to nail this section?

JPA: Most people get bogged down in their "About Me" and forget that it's really *about them* (i.e., your potential customer.) They may sound counter-intuitive but it's true.

When you're writing the "About Me" - always remember the benefits of working with you and keep those front and center. I also recommend something "fun" and personal about you. Do you have a hobby? Pets? Favorite city? Sharing a little insight about who you are, sets you apart.

Any last pieces of advice when it comes to writing and messaging for business owners?

JPA:What do you MOST want your potential clients to know about working with you?Most non-writers get confused on the features vs. benefits and spend way too much energy on features without explaining why I would care.

For example, let's say you have x years of experience coaching and even have recognized coaching credentials. You know that matters because you've learned how to help people bridge the gap from where they are to where they want to be, but as a potential client, I need you to spell it out for me.

You could say, "I have 5 years of coaching experience and am recognized by the International Federation of Coaching Association. That matters because I have a deep understanding of human psychology which means I have methodologies to help you get unstuck. For example...(then I'd like to give a quick example...)

Do you see the difference it makes in sharing the benefit of the experience and accreditation rather than relying them to stand on their own?

Thanks Jen! I know this is going to be really helpful for alot of small business owners out there.

If seminars are more your speed, Jen's seminars focus on helping organizations develop their social media strategy and create action items around it. Whether showing business owners the best practices of Facebook posts or how to optimize your LinkedIn headline, Jen is passionate about the social media revolution. Her engaging, conversational style keeps audiences coming back for more. One FAQ is, “When are you doing another class?” and dozens have become regulars at her small social media trainings. Check out her training.

Big THANKS to Jen for sharing with us and if you aren't the best at crafting thoughtful stories, reach out to Jen for advice or help. She's super knowledgable and approachable.

Until next time readers! JennahOwner, Chief Designer, Blue Loui Studio